Campus

How do you do it?
There they were, my polished brand new shoes, my new dress with my name badge on. Everything ready on a Sunday evening to return to work the following day…and I was so restless. I was like a kid returning excitingly to school to see their friends after the long summer break…

But it wasn’t a summer break…

It wasn’t school…

And sadly I was no longer a kid…

It was November 2014 and I was returning from maternity leave, only three months after giving birth to my beautiful boy, Noah and just before the rush of Christmas parties; 90 days that had changed everything. I had changed, my priorities had changed and my team-mates would need to adapt to the new ME! But this wasn’t going to break me. I was determined this was going to be the making of me, as I realised whilst being away from the College that I was getting so much more than just a wage. I had indeed missed the College terribly. Firstly, I missed the people with whom I work every day as we have a bond in Westminster, sharing the same drive to make or keep this place a special place for everyone who steps foot in it. Secondly, I missed the stimulation I get from my work, resolving issues, finding new opportunities and reacting to daily challenges! Finally, I missed the building. Beautiful stones that mean so much more than just a shell, it is a safe place where you can be, just the way you are… Who can say they go to work, have prayers in the morning, chat with students at coffee time about feminism and serve dinner for 100 young and very hungry Chinese students? Me, me and me!

I am part of a wonderful organisation where my employer asks me what I can do, rather than why can’t I do it. Everyone knows Noah, Maisie and Ollie. I get asked frequently for news, even the General Secretary of the URC asked after Noah on his last visit to the College. I also get tips from my fellow mums or just get a sympathetic hug when the night has been interrupted by his night terrors. If Noah goes to the doctor one day, the following day people genuinely ask me how he is now. Thanks to the incredible support I got from the Senatus team, the Management Committee and the Board of Governors, I have managed to grow in my role and have blossomed both at home and at work. I was entrusted with more responsibility in June 2015 and despite being sometimes challenged with time to attend to all my engagements, I have managed to seize all the opportunities offered to me, the team or the college because I care, because I am fully-equipped to do my job well thanks to adequate training and professional network.

So when many people looks dubious when I say that I am a mum and step-mum to three beautiful kids, ranging from 2½ to 17 years old, that I am also a part-time student for the Open University and I work full time in a managerial position. They then ask me how I can possibly do all of this? Well I respond rather smugly, that I have found the magic recipe:

1. I have a pretty amazing husband who is extremely supportive of my personal development and completely devoted to our family, despite him as well working full-time. We work as a team!

2. I am part of an extra-ordinary team who is committed, passionate and caring – One team, one purpose!

3. I work for an employer, the United Reformed Church, who genuinely care about their employees and takes its impact on society very seriously, putting people first rather than revenue, (we’re living wage foundation accredited). Here at Westminster, we apply the same level of care, understanding and professionalism.

So to all my colleagues who are mums or mums-to-be at Westminster College, I would like to wish you a Happy Mothers’ Day and see you on Monday to hear all about it with a cuppa’!

The Cheshunt Foundation is pleased to annouce that there is sabbatical space available for Easter Term 2017.
If this is something of interest to you then please do take a look at the Cheshunt Foundation on our website and, should you wish to apply, please email the tutorial office or call on 01223 33 06 49 in the first instance. Priority is normally given to those engaged in active ministry in the churches listed below.

• The Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion
• The Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches
• The United Reformed Church
• Unaffiliated Congregational Churches

This would be a wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking a space for private study.

We are excited to announce that our Principal, Neil Thorogood, will be launching his DVD ‘Charcoal Gospel’ on Wednesday 22nd February at Westminster College. All Cambridge Theological Federation members are welcome to join us from 5pm-6pm. Refreshments will be available throughout.

Neil will be giving a short introduction to his work, there will be the chance to view the original art work, and you will be able to purchase the DVD for £9.99.

If you are unable to make it to the launch, the DVD is also available to purchase from the URC Shop and from Reception at Westminster.

We are pleased to announce that the February issue of Imagine is now available to read online.

Please do take a look and see how the Principal has mastered ‘Twitter’. This month we also welcome ERMC to our Campus, who will be residing in the Art Studio until their new offices are ready for occupation.

Their Principal, Alexander Jensen, was happy to pause from the unpacking and settling in to take a couple of photos for us, and said they were delighted with their accommodation, excited to be part of the campus and are looking forward to a close working relationship.

Their arrival marks another important part in the life of Westminster as our Campus increases in size and diversity and we’re excited to have them with us.